Prayer was offered by the Reverend John McDonough, St. Agnes
Catholic Church, Charleston, West Virginia.
Pending the reading of the Journal of Monday, March 16, 2009,
On motion of Senator Kessler, the Journal was approved and the
further reading thereof dispensed with.
The Senate proceeded to the second order of business and the
introduction of guests.
Senator Tomblin (Mr. President) presented a communication from
the Family Protection Services Board, submitting its annual report,
in accordance with chapter forty-eight, article twenty-six, section
four hundred one of the code of West Virginia.
Which communication and report were received and filed with
the Clerk.
The Senate proceeded to the third order of business.
A message from The Clerk of the House of Delegates announced
the passage by that body, to take effect from passage, and
requested the concurrence of the Senate in the passage ofEng. Com. Sub. for House Bill No. 2423--A Bill to amend and
reenact §30-23-4, §30-23-5, §30-23-6, §30-23-9, §30-23-10,
§30-23-13, §30-23-14, §30-23-16, §30-23-17 and §30-23-19 of the
Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, all relating to the Board
of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology.
Referred to the Committee on Government Organization.
A message from The Clerk of the House of Delegates announced
the passage by that body, to take effect from passage, and
requested the concurrence of the Senate in the passage ofEng. Com. Sub. for House Bill No. 2444--A Bill to amend the
Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new
article, designated §16-29J-1, §16-29J-2, §16-29J-3, §16-29J-4 and
§16-29J-5, all relating to the creation of the Legislative
Oversight Commission on Long-Term Care; establishing membership,
responsibilities; giving subpoena power; and establishing reporting
requirements.
Referred to the Committee on Health and Human Resources; and
then to the Committee on Rules.
A message from The Clerk of the House of Delegates announced
the passage by that body and requested the concurrence of the
Senate in the passage ofEng. House Bill No. 2651--A Bill to repeal §19-10-1, §19-10-2,
§19-10-3, §19-10-4, §19-10-5, §19-10-6, §19-10-7, §19-10-8, §19-10-
9, §19-10-10, §19-10-11, §19-10-12 and §19-10-13 of the Code of
West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to male breeding animals.
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture.
A message from The Clerk of the House of Delegates announced
the passage by that body and requested the concurrence of the
Senate in the passage ofEng. House Bill No. 2652--A Bill to repeal §19-2G-1, §19-2G-2,
§19-2G-3, §19-2G-6, §19-2G-7, §19-2G-9 and §19-2G-10 of the Code of
West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to the tree fruit
industry self-improvement act of 1984.
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture.
A message from The Clerk of the House of Delegates announced
the passage by that body and requested the concurrence of the
Senate in the passage ofEng. Com. Sub. for House Bill No. 2869--A Bill to amend and
reenact §3-8-5 and §3-8-7 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as
amended, all relating to lengthening the time frame for the filing
of final post-primary and post-general campaign financial
statements.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
A message from The Clerk of the House of Delegates announced
the passage by that body, to take effect from passage, and
requested the concurrence of the Senate in the passage ofEng. Com. Sub. for House Bill No. 2904--A Bill to amend and
reenact §18B-17-2 and §18B-17-3 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931,
as amended, all relating to authorizing rules for higher education;
authorizing rules for the Higher Education Policy Commission and
the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College
Education; and authorizing rules regarding Guidelines for Governing Boards in Employing and Evaluating Presidents, Employing and
Evaluating Presidents, the Medical Student Loan Program, the West
Virginia Higher Education Grant Program, the Research Trust Fund
Program, Accountability System, Performance Indicators.
Referred to the Committee on Education.
A message from The Clerk of the House of Delegates announced
the passage by that body, to take effect from passage, and
requested the concurrence of the Senate in the passage ofEng. House Bill No. 2913--A Bill to amend and reenact
§18-10M-6 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating
to the Statewide Independent Living Council; clarifying appointment
of council members by the Governor; deleting antiquated language
and revising duties of the council.
Referred to the Committee on Government Organization.
A message from The Clerk of the House of Delegates announced
the passage by that body and requested the concurrence of the
Senate in the passage ofEng. House Bill No. 2950--A Bill to amend the Code of West
Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section,
designated §31-15-6c, relating to the Neighborhood Housing and
Economic Stabilization Program for low-income minority
neighborhoods; creating the Neighborhood Housing and Economic
Stabilization Program; authorizing the Economic Development
Authority to contract with the Housing Development Fund to
administer the program and distribute funding to program
participants; establishing general guidelines and priorities for funding; establishing funding for the program; and legislative
findings.
Referred to the Committee on Economic Development; and then to
the Committee Finance.
A message from The Clerk of the House of Delegates announced
the passage by that body, to take effect July 1, 2009, and
requested the concurrence of the Senate in the passage ofEng. Com. Sub. for House Bill No. 2969--A Bill to amend and
reenact §29-3-9 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended,
relating to requiring personnel engaged in hazardous substance
emergency response activities to attend annual hazardous substance
training.
Referred to the Committee on Government Organization; and then
to the Committee on Finance.
A message from The Clerk of the House of Delegates announced
the adoption by that body and requested the concurrence of the
Senate in the adoption ofHouse Concurrent Resolution No. 17--Requesting the bridge on
Route 460 below the Mercer Mall at the intersection of Route 19
near Bluefield, Mercer County, West Virginia, specifically bridge
number 28-19-5.40, be named "War Veterans of Mercer County Memorial
Bridge".
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
A message from The Clerk of the House of Delegates announced
the adoption by that body and requested the concurrence of the Senate in the adoption ofHouse Concurrent Resolution No. 25--Requesting that the
Division of Highways relocate, if permitted by state and federal
law, the marker known as the Washington Lands Marker, along State
Route 2, in lower Moundsville, West Virginia, currently located
about two hundred feet south of the Moundsville Country Club, to an
area within state right-of-way directly east and across State Route
2 from its current location.
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
The Senate proceeded to the fourth order of business.
Senator Fanning, from the Committee on Natural Resources,
submitted the following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Natural Resources has had under
considerationSenate Bill No. 15, Limiting certain parks and recreation
entities' liability.
And reports the same back with the recommendation that it do
pass; but under the original double committee reference first be
referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Respectfully submitted,
John Pat Fanning,Chair.
The bill, under the original double committee reference, was
then referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Senator Fanning, from the Committee on Natural Resources, submitted the following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Natural Resources has had under
considerationSenate Bill No. 31, Absolving landowner's liability for
hunter's injuries.
And reports back a committee substitute for same with the
following title:Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 31 (originating in the Committee
on Natural Resources)--A Bill to amend and reenact §19-25-2 of the
Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to limiting a
landowner from civil liability for injuries that may occur to a
person or property on the landowner's property or surrounding
property caused while hunting.
With the recommendation that the committee substitute do pass;
but under the original double committee reference first be referred
to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Respectfully submitted,
John Pat Fanning,Chair.
The bill (Com. Sub. for S. B. No. 31), under the original
double committee reference, was then referred to the Committee on
the Judiciary.
Senator Browning, from the Committee on Economic Development,
submitted the following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Economic Development has had under
considerationSenate Bill No. 142, Creating Small Tourism Business
Development Act.
And reports back a committee substitute for same with the
following title:Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 142 (originating in the
Committee on Economic Development)--A Bill to amend and reenact
§5B-2E-5 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to
amend said code by adding thereto two new sections, designated §5B-
2E-7b and §5B-2E-7c, all relating generally to West Virginia
Tourism Development Act; and adding a small scale tourism
development component and an ancillary project component.
With the recommendation that the committee substitute do pass;
but under the original double committee reference first be referred
to the Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard Browning,Chair.
The bill (Com. Sub. for S. B. No. 142), under the original
double committee reference, was then referred to the Committee on
Finance.
Senator Helmick, from the Committee on Finance, submitted the
following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Finance has had under considerationSenate Bill No. 151, Authorizing Department of Environmental
Protection promulgate legislative rule relating to permits for
construction, modification, relocation and operation of stationary sources of air pollutants.Senate Bill No. 159, Authorizing Department of Environmental
Protection promulgate legislative rule relating to assessment of
civil administrative penalties.Senate Bill No. 160, Authorizing Department of Environmental
Protection promulgate legislative rule relating to hazardous waste
management fee.Senate Bill No. 161, Authorizing Department of Environmental
Protection promulgate legislative rule relating to state water
pollution control revolving fund.
And,Senate Bill No. 164, Authorizing Department of Environmental
Protection promulgate legislative rule relating to assessment of
civil administrative penalties.
And reports the same back with the recommendation that they
each do pass; but under the original double committee references
first be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Respectfully submitted,
Walt Helmick,Chair.
The bills, under the original double committee references,
were then referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Senator Helmick, from the Committee on Finance, submitted the
following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Finance has had under considerationSenate Bill No. 162, Authorizing Department of Environmental Protection promulgate legislative rule relating to environmental
laboratories' certification and standards of performance.Senate Bill No. 163, Authorizing Department of Environmental
Protection promulgate legislative rule relating to dam safety.Senate Bill No. 195, Authorizing Department of Health and
Human Resources promulgate legislative rule relating to public
water systems.Senate Bill No. 205, Authorizing Division of Labor promulgate
legislative rule relating to Elevator Safety Act.Senate Bill No. 218, Authorizing Regional Jail and
Correctional Facility Authority promulgate legislative rule
relating to criteria and procedures for determination of projected
cost per day for incarcerated inmates.
And,Senate Bill No. 233, Authorizing Board of Veterinary Medicine
promulgate legislative rule relating to schedule of fees.
And reports the same back with the recommendation that they
each do pass; but under the original triple committee references
first be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Respectfully submitted,
Walt Helmick,Chair.
The bills, under the original triple committee references,
were then referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Senator Helmick, from the Committee on Finance, submitted the
following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Finance has had under considerationSenate Bill No. 167, Authorizing Ethics Commission promulgate
legislative rule relating to filing of verified time records.
And has amended same.
And reports the same back with the recommendation that it do
pass, as amended; but under the original double committee reference
first be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Respectfully submitted,
Walt Helmick,Chair.
The bill, under the original double committee reference, was
then referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, with amendments
from the Committee on Finance pending.
Senator Helmick, from the Committee on Finance, submitted the
following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Finance has had under considerationSenate Bill No. 206, Authorizing Division of Labor promulgate
legislative rule relating to weights and measures calibration fees.
With an amendment from the Committee on Labor pending;
And,Senate Bill No. 364, Authorizing Division of Labor promulgate
legislative rule relating to supervision of elevator mechanics and
apprentices.
With an amendment from the Committee on Labor pending;
And reports the same back with the recommendation that they
each do pass as amended by the Committee on Labor to which the bills were first referred; but under the original triple committee
references first be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Respectfully submitted,
Walt Helmick,Chair.
The bills, under the original triple committee references,
were then referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, with
amendments from the Committee on Labor pending.
Senator Helmick, from the Committee on Finance, submitted the
following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Finance has had under considerationSenate Bill No. 215, Authorizing Division of Natural Resources
promulgate legislative rule relating to lifetime hunting, trapping
and fishing license and stamp fees.
With amendments from the Committee on Natural Resources
pending;
And reports the same back with the recommendation that it do
pass as amended by the Committee on Natural Resources to which the
bill was first referred; but under the original triple committee
reference first be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Respectfully submitted,
Walt Helmick,Chair.
The bill, under the original triple committee reference, was
then referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, with amendments
from the Committee on Natural Resources pending.
Senator Helmick, from the Committee on Finance, submitted the
following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Finance has had under considerationSenate Bill No. 226, Authorizing State Tax Department
promulgate legislative rule relating to film industry investment
tax credit.
And has amended same.
And reports the same back with the recommendation that it do
pass, as amended; but under the original triple committee reference
first be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Respectfully submitted,
Walt Helmick,Chair.
The bill, under the original triple committee reference, was
then referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, with an amendment
from the Committee on Finance pending.
Senator Kessler, from the Committee on the Judiciary,
submitted the following report, which was received:
Your Committee on the Judiciary has had under considerationCom. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 279 (originating in the
Committee on Energy, Industry and Mining), Relating to industrial
accidents and emergency response regulations.
And reports back a committee substitute for same with the
following title:Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 279 (originating
in the Committee on the Judiciary)--A Bill to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section,
designated §15-5B-3a, relating generally to industrial accidents
and emergencies; providing definitions; requiring the reporting of
certain industrial emergencies to the Mine and Industrial Accident
Emergency Operations Center or local emergency telephone system
operators; requiring industrial facilities to provide certain
information to state and local emergency responders; granting state
and local officials access to the person or persons charged with
managing an industrial emergency and certain areas affected by the
emergency; authorizing the Director of the Division of Homeland
Security and Emergency Management to promulgate emergency
legislative rules establishing a list of facilities subject to the
requirements of this section and establishing procedures; providing
for civil penalties; and authorizing the promulgation of
legislative rules.
With the recommendation that the committee substitute for
committee substitute do pass.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeffrey V. Kessler,Chair.
Senator White, from the Committee on Agriculture, submitted
the following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Agriculture has had under considerationSenate Bill No. 310, Relating to farm supply vehicles.
And reports back a committee substitute for same with the
following title:Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 310 (originating in the
Committee on Agriculture)--A Bill to amend and reenact §17A-3-2 of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to
clarification that the 25-mile limit also applies to the obtaining
of farm supplies.
With the recommendation that the committee substitute do pass;
but under the original double committee reference first be referred
to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Respectfully submitted,
C. Randy White,Chair.
The bill (Com. Sub. for S. B. No. 310), under the original
double committee reference, was then referred to the Committee on
the Judiciary.
Senator Helmick, from the Committee on Finance, submitted the
following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Finance has had under considerationSenate Bill No. 367, Authorizing Board of Pharmacy promulgate
legislative rule relating to regulation of charitable clinic
pharmacies.
With an amendment from the Committee on Health and Human
Resources pending;
And reports the same back with the recommendation that it do
pass as amended by the Committee on Health and Human Resources to
which the bill was first referred; but under the original triple
committee reference first be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Respectfully submitted,
Walt Helmick,Chair.
The bill, under the original triple committee reference, was
then referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, with an amendment
from the Committee on Health and Human Resources pending.
Senator Unger, from the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, submitted the following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has had
under considerationSenate Bill No. 390, Continuing Highway Design-Build Pilot
Program.
And reports the same back with the recommendation that it do
pass; but under the original double committee reference first be
referred to the Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted,
John R. Unger II,Chair.
The bill, under the original double committee reference, was
then referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Unger, from the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, submitted the following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has had
under considerationSenate Bill No. 470, Regulating all-terrain vehicles on Hatfield-McCoy Trail.
And reports back a committee substitute for same with the
following title:Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 470 (originating in the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure)--A Bill to amend
and reenact §20-15-1, §20-15-2, §20-15-3, §20-15-4, §20-15-5 and
§20-15-6 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, all
relating to regulating all-terrain vehicles and utility-terrain
vehicles on the Hatfield-McCoy Trail; standardizing the definition
of "all-terrain vehicle"; defining and regulating "utility-terrain
vehicle"; defining and regulating "motorcycle"; and making
stylistic and technical corrections.
With the recommendation that the committee substitute do pass;
but under the original double committee reference first be referred
to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Respectfully submitted,
John R. Unger II,Chair.
The bill (Com. Sub. for S. B. No. 470), under the original
double committee reference, was then referred to the Committee on
the Judiciary.
Senator Foster, from the Committee on Pensions, submitted the
following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Pensions has had under considerationSenate Bill No. 569, Relating to State Teachers Retirement
System loan application deadline for service credit conversion.
And has amended same.
And reports the same back with the recommendation that it do
pass, as amended; but under the original double committee reference
first be referred to the Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted,
Dan Foster,Chair.
The bill, under the original double committee reference, was
then referred to the Committee on Finance, with an amendment from
the Committee on Pensions pending.
Senator Kessler, from the Committee on the Judiciary,
submitted the following report, which was received:
Your Committee on the Judiciary has had under considerationSenate Bill No. 581, Permitting certain minor blood donations
with parental consent.
And has amended same.
And reports the same back with the recommendation that it do
pass, as amended.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeffrey V. Kessler,Chair.
Senator Foster, from the Committee on Pensions, submitted the
following report, which was received:
Your Committee on Pensions has had under considerationSenate Bill No. 584, Providing one-time bonus to certain
public employee and teacher annuitants.
And reports the same back with the recommendation that it do
pass; but under the original double committee reference first be
referred to the Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted,
Dan Foster,Chair.
The bill, under the original double committee reference, was
then referred to the Committee on Finance.
The Senate proceeded to the sixth order of business.
On motions for leave, severally made, the following bills were
introduced, read by their titles, and referred to the appropriate
committees:By Senators Kessler, Barnes, Jenkins and Plymale:Senate Bill No. 609--A Bill to amend and reenact §50-1-4 of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to
educational requirements for magistrates; and abolishing the
distinction among magistrates regarding population served and
performing their magistrate duties on a full-time basis.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.By Senators Palumbo, Stollings and Plymale:Senate Bill No. 610--A Bill to amend and reenact §11-13X-3,
§11-13X-5, §11-13X-6, §11-13X-8, §11-13X-9 and §11-13X-13 of the
Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, all relating generally to
the West Virginia Film Industry Investment Act; clarifying
definitions; stating the amount of credit allowed in specified
percentages; clarifying contradictory requirements to claim credit; clarifying language relating to use of credit and transfer process;
clarifying language to protect transferees; authorizing issuance of
rules by the Secretary of Commerce for administration of the film
credit; and making amendments retroactively applicable to taxable
years beginning after December 31, 2007.
Referred to the Committee on Economic Development; and then to
the Committee on Finance.By Senator Oliverio:Senate Bill No. 611--A Bill to amend and reenact §18B-2A-1 of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to
institutional boards of governors at institutions of higher
education in West Virginia; adding two members to West Virginia
University and Marshall University based upon their gender, race
and ethnicity; and changing the composition of institutional boards
of governors, membership and number of members.
Referred to the Committee on Education; and then to the
Committee on Finance.By Senators Prezioso, Unger and Deem:Senate Bill No. 612--A Bill to amend and reenact §61-5-29 of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating generally to
criminal enforcement for willful failure to pay child support.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.By Senator Kessler:Senate Bill No. 613--A Bill to amend and reenact §22-21-6,
§22-21-15, §22-21-16 and §22-21-17 of the Code of West Virginia,
1931, as amended, all relating to clarifying notice requirements; requiring the promulgation of rules associated therewith; making
technical clarifications; and penalties.
Referred to the Committee on Energy, Industry and Mining.By Senator Yost:Senate Bill No. 614--A Bill to amend and reenact §4-10-8 of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; to amend and reenact
§5F-1-2 of said code; to amend and reenact §5F-2-1 of said code; to
amend and reenact §6-7-2a of said code; and to amend and reenact
§9A-1-1, §9A-1-2 and §9A-1-4 of said code, all relating to
redesignating the Division of Veterans' Affairs the Department of
Veterans Assistance; and providing that the department be
supervised by a secretary-level administrator.
Referred to the Committee on Military; and then to the
Committee on Government Organization.By Senators Yost and Unger:Senate Bill No. 615--A Bill to amend and reenact §2-2-1 of the
Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to state
holidays; designating December 7 of each year as "West Virginia
Patriots of World War II Day"; and making it a state holiday.
Referred to the Committee on Military; and then to the
Committee on Finance.By Senators Yost and Unger:Senate Bill No. 616--A Bill to amend the Code of West
Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section,
designated §20-5-19a, relating to providing a fifty percent
discount to members of the West Virginia National Guard and the West Virginia National Guard Reserves in campground rental fees in
state parks.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources; and then to
the Committee on Finance.By Senator Yost:Senate Bill No. 617--A Bill to amend and reenact §20-2-42c of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to allowing
members of the West Virginia National Guard or its reserve to
obtain free hunting and fishing licenses while serving in the West
Virginia National Guard or its reserve; and license for life upon
full retirement.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources; and then to
the Committee on Finance.By Senators Plymale and Prezioso:Senate Bill No. 618--A Bill to amend and reenact §18-9A-8a of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to the
foundation allowance for regional education service agencies;
removing the budget cap; and basing allowance on the allowances for
professional educators and professional student support personnel
to be consistent with prior legislation moving professional student
support personnel out of the foundation allowance for professional
educators.
Referred to the Committee on Education; and then to the
Committee on Finance.By Senators Yost, Prezioso, Unger and White:Senate Bill No. 619--A Bill to amend and reenact §11-21-12 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to exempting
all military, National Guard and reserve income from income taxes.
Referred to the Committee on Military; and then to the
Committee on Finance.By Senators McCabe, Palumbo, D. Facemire, Plymale, Jenkins and
Stollings:Senate Bill No. 620--A Bill to amend and reenact §8-38-3,
§8-38-4, §8-38-5, §8-38-7, §8-38-10, §8-38-12, §8-38-15, §8-38-16,
§8-38-17 and §8-38-20 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as
amended, all relating to revising the Municipal Economic
Opportunity Development District Act; correcting certain errors and
inconsistencies contained therein; and enhancing the ability of the
act to generate economic development in the state.
Referred to the Committee on Economic Development; and then to
the Committee on Finance.By Senators Unger, Green, K. Facemyer, Kessler, Oliverio,
Bowman, Edgell, Guills and Plymale:Senate Bill No. 621--A Bill to amend and reenact §61-7-14 of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to only
allowing a private owner, lessee or other person charged with the
care, custody and control of real property to prohibit the
carrying, openly or concealed, of any firearm or deadly weapon on
private property under his or her domain.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.By Senators Yost, Kessler, White, Laird and Edgell:Senate Bill No. 622--A Bill to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended by adding thereto a new
article, designated §29-6A-1, §29-6A-2, §29-6A-3, §29-6A-4,
§29-6A-5, §29-6A-6, §29-6A-7, §29-6A-8, §29-6A-9, §29-6A-10,
§29-6A-11, §29-6A-12, §29-6A-13, §29-6A-14, §29-6A-15, §29-6A-16,
§29-6A-17, §29-6A-18, §29-6A-19, §29-6A-20, §29-6A-21, §29-6A-22,
§29-6A-23, §29-6A-24, §29-6A-25 and §29-6A-26, all relating to
promoting orderly and constructive employment relations between the
state and its employees; increasing the efficiency of the state;
ensuring the health and safety of the citizens of this state;
requiring the state to recognize, negotiate and bargain with
employee organizations representing state employees and to enter
into written agreements evidencing the result of bargaining; and
encouraging labor peace through the establishment of standards and
procedures which protect the rights of the state, the state
employee and the citizens of this state.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; and then to the
Committee on Finance.By Senator White:Senate Bill No. 623--A Bill to amend and reenact §23-4-6 of
the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to workers'
compensation benefits; and extending permanent total disability
benefits to claimants for life.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; and then to the
Committee on Finance.By Senator White:Senate Bill No. 624--A Bill to amend and reenact §11-1A-11 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to exempting
owners, with the exception of corporations or partnerships, of one
hundred acres or less of contiguously connected real property from
increased valuation and assessment as natural resources property on
reserve coal properties; defining "small property owner"; extending
the exemption for an owner or owners of two or more tracts of
contiguously connected real property of one hundred acres or less;
requiring an affidavit that coal will not be mined or transferred;
and providing for increased assessment and payment of interest if
coal is later mined.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; and then to the
Committee on Finance.
Senators Yost and Unger offered the following resolution:Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 30--Requesting the Joint
Committee on Government and Finance study the possibility of the
state providing veterans whose income is at or below the national
poverty level a supplemental insurance card for the purpose of
paying the copayments for medical prescriptions through any
insurance plan, including the Veterans Administration.
Whereas, In the case of the Veterans Administration
prescription program, the money paid by a veteran as a copayment
for a prescription is actually a double taxation, in that in most
cases the income to pay for the prescription copayment comes from
the tax dollars paid as either a retirement benefit or a disability
benefit and the copayment that is collected is paid back to a
governmental agency. Thus, the government is giving from the left pocket and collecting into the right pocket; and
Whereas, The same thing is true of the many veterans working
for the State of West Virginia. State employees upon retirement or
disability also have a copayment for prescriptions, either through
the retiree health plan or through the Medicare prescription plans;
therefore, be itResolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the possibility of the state providing veterans
whose income is at or below the national poverty level a
supplemental insurance card for the purpose of paying the
copayments for medical prescriptions through any insurance plan,
including the Veterans Administration; and, be itFurther Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2010, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be itFurther Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.
Which, under the rules, lies over one day.
Senators Stollings, McCabe, Unger, Green and Plymale offered
the following resolution:Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 31--Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the best possible uses of
areas mined using the mountaintop removal method of mining.
Whereas, There have been many acres of land throughout West
Virginia mined using the mountaintop removal method of mining; and
Whereas, Careful thought should be given to the best possible
use of these areas, including the type of buildings that can be
built on these areas and the type of vegetation that can be grown
on these areas that will have the biggest economic impact;
therefore, be itResolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the best possible uses of areas mined using the
mountaintop removal method of mining; and, be itFurther Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2010, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be itFurther Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.
Which, under the rules, lies over one day.
Senators Sypolt, Prezioso, McCabe, Unger, Stollings and
Plymale offered the following resolution:Senate Resolution No. 31--Designating the week of March 15-21, 2009, as "West Virginia Professional Land Surveyors Week".
Whereas, There are over 1,200 professional surveyors in the
State of West Virginia; and
Whereas, The nature of surveying has changed dramatically
since the founding of our state and is no longer limited to the
description and location of land boundaries; and
Whereas, Various types of land surveys, through the use of
sophisticated equipment and techniques, are important to the use of
our bodies of water, the development of engineering and
construction projects, activities such as aircraft navigation and
disaster response, mapping and charting our political and property
boundaries, as well as commercial activities involving our natural
resources; and
Whereas, The role of the surveyor has been, and remains, of
vital importance in the commerce and development of the State of
West Virginia; and
Whereas, Since the colonial days of this nation, surveyors
have been leaders in the community, statesmen, influential citizens
and shapers of cultural standards; and
Whereas, Former surveyors include George Washington, Thomas
Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln; and
Whereas, It was the work of the surveyor that determined the
boundaries of land that, during the Civil War, became the State of
West Virginia; therefore, be itResolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby designates the week of March 15-21, 2009, as "West Virginia Professional Land Surveyors Week"; and, be
itFurther Resolved, That the Senate hereby honors the work of
professional land surveyors; and, be itFurther Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to the President of the West Virginia
Society of Professional Surveyors.
At the request of Senator Sypolt, unanimous consent being
granted, the resolution was taken up for immediate consideration,
reference to a committee dispensed with, and adopted.
On motion of Senator Chafin, the Senate recessed for one
minute.
Upon expiration of the recess, the Senate reconvened and
resumed business under the sixth order.
Senators Williams, Sypolt, Prezioso, Minard, Stollings and
Plymale offered the following resolution:Senate Resolution No. 32--Congratulating the Grafton High
School Bearcats football team for winning the 2008 West Virginia AA
championship.
Whereas, The Grafton High School Bearcats football team had a
dominant year, finishing with a record of 13 wins and only one loss
and the team won the 2008 West Virginia AA championship; and
Whereas, The Grafton High School Bearcats football team
displayed its strong will and determination for an entire season
and will be remembered as one of the best teams ever assembled in
West Virginia high school football history; and
Whereas, The Grafton High School Bearcats football team broke
or tied eight records in the state championship game, had four
First Team All-State Players, two Second Team All-State Players and
14 All-Conference Players; and
Whereas, The Grafton High School Bearcats football team is a
shining example of what can be accomplished through teamwork,
dedication and spirit; therefore, be itResolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby congratulates the Grafton High School
Bearcats football team for winning the 2008 West Virginia AA
championship; and, be itFurther Resolved, That the Senate commends each coach, team
member and staff member for their outstanding accomplishments; and,
be itFurther Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
of copy of this resolution to the Grafton High School Bearcats
football team.
At the request of Senator Williams, unanimous consent being
granted, the resolution was taken up for immediate consideration,
reference to a committee dispensed with, and adopted.
On motion of Senator Chafin, the Senate recessed for one
minute.
Upon expiration of the recess, the Senate reconvened and
proceeded to the seventh order of business.Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 27, Requesting Joint
Committee on Government and Finance study Department of Environmental Protection staff pay rates.
On unfinished business, coming up in regular order, was
reported by the Clerk and referred to the Committee on Finance; and
then to the Committee on Rules.Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 28, Requesting Joint
Committee on Government and Finance study certain mining industry
job pay rates.
On unfinished business, coming up in regular order, was
reported by the Clerk and referred to the Committee on the
Judiciary; and then to the Committee on Rules.Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 29, Requesting funding for
MARC commuter train service.
On unfinished business, coming up in regular order, was
reported by the Clerk and referred to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
The Senate proceeded to the eighth order of business.Eng. Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 276, Imposing statute of
limitations on certain real property civil actions.
On third reading, coming up in regular order, was read a third
time and put upon its passage.
On the passage of the bill, the yeas were: Barnes, Boley,
Bowman, Browning, Caruth, Chafin, Deem, Edgell, D. Facemire, K.
Facemyer, Fanning, Foster, Green, Guills, Hall, Helmick, Jenkins,
Kessler, Laird, McCabe, Minard, Oliverio, Palumbo, Plymale,
Prezioso, Snyder, Stollings, Sypolt, Unger, Wells, White, Williams,
Yost and Tomblin (Mr. President)--34.
The nays were: None.
Absent: None.
So, a majority of all the members present and voting having
voted in the affirmative, the President declared the bill (Eng.
Com. Sub. for S. B. No. 276) passed with its title.Ordered, That The Clerk communicate to the House of Delegates
the action of the Senate and request concurrence therein.Eng. Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 418, Relating to
municipalities' fee requirements.
On third reading, coming up in regular order, was read a third
time and put upon its passage.
Pending discussion,
The question being "Shall Engrossed Committee Substitute for
Senate Bill No. 418 pass?"
On the passage of the bill, the yeas were: Boley, Bowman,
Browning, Chafin, Deem, Edgell, D. Facemire, K. Facemyer, Fanning,
Foster, Green, Hall, Helmick, Jenkins, Kessler, Laird, McCabe,
Minard, Oliverio, Palumbo, Prezioso, Snyder, Stollings, Sypolt,
Unger, Wells, Williams, Yost and Tomblin (Mr. President)--29.
The nays were: Barnes, Caruth, Guills, Plymale and White--5.
Absent: None.
So, a majority of all the members present and voting having
voted in the affirmative, the President declared the bill (Eng.
Com. Sub. for S. B. No. 418) passed with its title.
Senator Chafin moved that the bill take effect from passage.
On this question, the yeas were: Boley, Bowman, Browning, Chafin, Deem, Edgell, D. Facemire, K. Facemyer, Fanning, Foster,
Green, Hall, Helmick, Jenkins, Kessler, Laird, McCabe, Minard,
Oliverio, Palumbo, Prezioso, Snyder, Stollings, Sypolt, Unger,
Wells, Williams, Yost and Tomblin (Mr. President)--29.
The nays were: Barnes, Caruth, Guills, Plymale and White--5.
Absent: None.
So, two thirds of all the members elected to the Senate having
voted in the affirmative, the President declared the bill (Eng.
Com. Sub. for S. B. No. 418) takes effect from passage.Ordered, That The Clerk communicate to the House of Delegates
the action of the Senate and request concurrence therein.Eng. Senate Bill No. 466, Clarifying Division of Personnel's
functions.
On third reading, coming up in regular order, was read a third
time and put upon its passage.
On the passage of the bill, the yeas were: Barnes, Boley,
Bowman, Browning, Caruth, Chafin, Deem, Edgell, D. Facemire, K.
Facemyer, Fanning, Foster, Green, Guills, Hall, Helmick, Jenkins,
Kessler, Laird, McCabe, Minard, Oliverio, Palumbo, Plymale,
Prezioso, Snyder, Stollings, Sypolt, Unger, Wells, White, Williams,
Yost and Tomblin (Mr. President)--34.
The nays were: None.
Absent: None.
So, a majority of all the members present and voting having
voted in the affirmative, the President declared the bill (Eng. S.
B. No. 466) passed with its title.Ordered, That The Clerk communicate to the House of Delegates
the action of the Senate and request concurrence therein.Eng. Senate Bill No. 487, Relating to Division of Personnel
Director's qualifications.
On third reading, coming up in regular order, was read a third
time and put upon its passage.
On the passage of the bill, the yeas were: Barnes, Boley,
Bowman, Browning, Caruth, Chafin, Deem, Edgell, D. Facemire, K.
Facemyer, Fanning, Foster, Green, Guills, Hall, Helmick, Jenkins,
Kessler, Laird, McCabe, Minard, Oliverio, Palumbo, Plymale,
Prezioso, Snyder, Stollings, Sypolt, Unger, Wells, White, Williams,
Yost and Tomblin (Mr. President)--34.
The nays were: None.
Absent: None.
So, a majority of all the members present and voting having
voted in the affirmative, the President declared the bill (Eng. S.
B. No. 487) passed with its title.Ordered, That The Clerk communicate to the House of Delegates
the action of the Senate and request concurrence therein.
The Senate proceeded to the ninth order of business.Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 280, Creating Correctional
Industries Act of 2009.
On second reading, coming up in regular order, was read a
second time and ordered to engrossment and third reading.Senate Bill No. 302, Expanding municipal parking authority
officers' ticketing powers.
On second reading, coming up in regular order, was read a
second time and ordered to engrossment and third reading.Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 321, Modifying certificate of
need process.
On second reading, coming up in regular order, was read a
second time and ordered to engrossment and third reading.Com. Sub. for Senate Bill No. 384, Authorizing Department of
Transportation take control of certain highway emergencies.
On second reading, coming up in regular order, was reported by
the Clerk.
At the request of Senator Chafin, unanimous consent being
granted, the bill was laid over one day, retaining its place on the
calendar.Senate Bill No. 497, Relating to WV Partnership to Promote
Community Well-Being.
On second reading, coming up in regular order, was reported by
the Clerk.
At the request of Senator Chafin, unanimous consent being
granted, the bill was laid over one day, retaining its place on the
calendar.
The Senate proceeded to the eleventh order of business and the
introduction of guests.
The Senate then proceeded to the twelfth order of business.
Remarks were made by Senators Hall, Sypolt and Barnes.
The Senate proceeded to the thirteenth order of business.
At the request of Senator Plymale, unanimous consent being granted, it was ordered that the Journal show had Senator Plymale
been present in the chamber on Friday, March 13, 2009, he would
have voted "yea" on the passage of Engrossed Committee Substitute
for Senate Bill No. 238, Engrossed Committee Substitute for Senate
Bill No. 318 and Engrossed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill No.
375; and on yesterday, Monday, March 16, 2009, he would have voted
"yea" on the passage of Engrossed Senate Bill No. 344 and Engrossed
Senate Bill No. 445.
Pending announcement of meetings of standing committees of the
Senate,
On motion of Senator Chafin, the Senate adjourned until
tomorrow, Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at 11 a.m.